White House Tours

For over two centuries, the White House has been an American icon, symbolizing the US government, its people, and the Office of the President. White House history, and the history of the nation"s capital, began when President George Washington signed an Act of Congress in December of 1790 declaring that the federal government would make its home in a space of ten miles square, set aside on the Potomac River. With the guidance of DC's supreme architect, Pierre L'Enfant, President Washington selected the location for the President's home, now known by its famous address, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. As the planning of the nation"s official district continued, a design competition took place, and the commission to build the President's residence was awarded to the Irish-born James Hoban.

History of the White House became tangible when the first cornerstone was laid in October of 1792. Even though President Washington managed the house's conception and construction process, thus making himself an indelible part of the history of the White House, he never actually lived there. White House history as a residence began in 1800, when it was completed for its first presidential occupants, John and Abigail Adams. Ever since then, every President's family has made changes and additions. The White House is, after all, the President's private home. It is also the only private residence of a head of state that is open to the public for White House tours, free of charge.

Imagine the history, during your tour of the White House. Wander through the formal State Dining Room, and the Diplomatic Room where so many important guests have been greeted. Appreciate the fine work, craftsmanship and the beautiful finery that equals that of any other palace. See if you can detect the presence of President Lincoln, whose spirit is rumored to wander these halls during storms. When you peer into the Oval Office, allow your imagination to take over. There is so much history in the place, it leaps out at you around every corner. Imagine the story the Cabinet Room could tell, with its years of spirited discussion on budgets, security, military affairs, and social policies. Even the gardens, transformed and beautified over many years, have about them the sense of ongoing historic change.

White House tours are available for groups of 10 or more people. Requests must be submitted through one's Member of Congress and are accepted up to six months in advance. These self-guided tours are available from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, excluding federal holidays. Visitors are encouraged to submit their requests as early as possible, since a limited number of tours are available. To be scheduled it is best to contact the congressional representative's office more than one month ahead of the requested visit date. All White House tours are free of charge.

Your tour of the White House will be better if you include some time in The House Visitors Center at 15th and E Streets. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Center provides a thirty-minute introductory video, and presentations about White House history, architecture and furnishings. Allow about an hour for that part of the trip.

The White House can be easily accessed by many Metro stops, including Metro Center, Federal Triangle, and McPherson Square. Public transport or taxis are the best ways to go, since parking and street access for cars is restricted for security around the White House. Planned well, your visit to the President"s home should be enjoyable and memorable!